5 Best & Safest Ways to Travel with a Dog in a Ute Car

Heading out on a road trip with the family is not complete without the family pet, but anyone in charge of an animal such as a dog has the duty of care to maintain the welfare of that dog before, during and after transport. In many countries, there is a compulsory code of practice for land transport of animals which may vary slightly from one country to another.

When dogs are travelling in the back of Utes, they can get injured because they are not properly restrained. These injuries arise from being struck by tree branches or being dragged along the side of the vehicles. Thousands of dogs also sustain injuries every year from jumping off moving vehicles. The following consider how to travel with a dog in a car and the best practices for transporting dogs in the back of Utes.

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1. Safest Way to Travel with Dog in Car

The safest way to travel with a dog in a car is to provide shelter for the dog with an enclosed cage. This not only provides cover for the dog from the elements such as the sun and rain, but it also protects the animal if travelling through inclement weather such as the snow.

The cage should preferably be of the right size for the dog so that cramping is avoided and sufficient space is available for it to move freely. The cage should be sturdily built so that a large dog does not cause it to rattle, and it should be placed behind the cabin to shield it from strong winds.

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2. How to Tie Dog in Back of Ute

It is very essential that the appropriate tethering technique is used in securing the dog to the back of the Ute. The lead or chain should be attached securely to a properly fitted dog harness or neck collar. The lead should be long enough to give the dog enough freedom to move around without the dog reaching the sides of the Ute. If the dog is restrained for too long, it can get restless and attempt to free itself.

To provide enough space for moving freely around, the other end of the lead should be secured to a point in the middle of the cabin, and it should be equipped with swivels at both ends to prevent it from becoming entangled while the dog moves around.

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3. Provide Extra Shelter

Even when an enclosed cage is provided, it is essential to provide a steel canopy to secure your dog cage. It will also protect the dog’s eyes from sand particles, and prevent the animal from inhaling dust particles, especially when travelling in very dusty weather. The extra shelter can be stainless steel or aluminium canopy. Aluminium canopy can be made to cater your specific needs, and it is less expansive compared to aluminium frame.

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4. Cover the Metal Floors

The metal floor of a Ute can heat up very quickly in hot weather. Therefore if neither an enclosed cage nor some form of shelter can be provided, the floor of the Ute must be covered with a carpet in addition to tethering the dog. This will give a reasonable amount of comfort and prevent the paws of the dog from getting scalded.

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5. Provide a Water Point

All animals require adequate water intake at all times to prevent dehydration. It is essential to give the dog enough water especially when travelling on a long journey or in hot weather. A water point can be fitted on an enclosed cage or canopy to keep the dog well hydrated throughout the journey.